This is actually the very first FFXII fanfic I've ever read, and I've gotta say, it's an amazing one. I was always one of the people who used Penelo whenever they could because I always felt bad for her since she never got any characterization... XD

But this! I really dig this! Thank you for writing it! Dammit, now I have high hopes for the XII fandom haha

Oh, you really fleshed out Penelo nicely. Her insecurities and angst is very believable and relatable. I like the way Fran talks here, too. I wonder what she thought when everyone believed vieras were impregnated by cabbages lol. The conversation with Ashe was simple and very well put together.:)

I don't know if I've ever reviewed this story before, but I've had it in my favorites for years and like to re-read it every once in a while. I figured that even if I've reviewed before, it isn't bad to do so again.

There's a lot I feel like I should say, but I can't find the words, so I'll simply tell you what this story does to me:
I cry every time.

It's so wonderful. Thank you for writing this.

Jax chapter 1 . 2/2/2012

I really like this story. It was a nice fleshing out of Penelo. I always found it interesting that even though Penelo and Vaan were the main playable characters, they weren't ever really put in the spotlight. They acted more as the story tellers for someone else (The leading man, perhaps? haha) but either way it was funny and a good read. And I laughed realy hard at: "She also told us the viera get impregnated by cabbages. We believed her; [...] Balthier then told us we were all being retarded."

You've fleshed Penelo out in an interesting way. I always took her for someone who was sweet and kind, and here it seems you've managed to retain those qualities while making her more like a typical adolescent girl with insecurities (and what girl wouldn't feel insecure when she's around a beauty like Ashe?). Very relatable. The themes you've included are varied, relevant, and rich with detailed anecdotes. Penelo's voice is dynamic, ranging from quirky and humorous to artsy and poetic. The killing section is one example of the latter, and most of Penelo's narration is of the former. I thought Basch's pep talk ("The man swings the sword but the woman is the one who made him strong enough to hold it") was also well-written.

My favorite part had to be the resolution. It was something you've gotten preachy with, but you didn't and you pulled it off quite beautifully. It was profound yet simply put, hopeful-sounding, and just rang of 'Penelo.' It reminded me of the way she wrote to Larsa at the end of the game, that sort of grounded, hopeful optimism:

"I wonder if she would finally consider me a woman?

And maybe she always did and maybe she always didn't, and I guess I'll never know but isn't that the beauty of it? I can pretend, I can imagine, and I can dream up whatever response I would like.

But somewhere in the back of my mind I know I'll never be satisfied because I will never be able to get an honest answer.

But maybe one becomes a woman when she stops looking for one."

While I wasn't completely taken with this story (I'm a diehard canon worshipper), I am seriously considering adding this to my faves because this is a lovely story, one in which you fleshed out an initially flat side character and put your own spin on the characterization while still keeping the feel of the canon. You made FFXII work for you and your idiosyncratic style rather than forced yourself to be more conventional. This came out nicely, and I applaud you for that.

I never played ffxii and I barely know the storyline and characters. But this fic really appealed to me and made me reflect on my attributes as a girl/woman. I enjoyed reading about Penelo's journey, and I liked how she found self-confidence in the end. Because really, that's just what every woman, and person, needs. :) Thanks for writing.

This was just beautiful! I absolutely loved it! I like Penelo and wish there would have been more of her in the game, and your portrayal of her is just wonderful! I really connected with her and felt for her. And I love her awkward relationship with Fran, how supportive Fran is. It's cute :)

Anyway, I loved reading this. You did an excellent job! Penelo was very human and her character growth was great. Thanks for writing this :D

Oh, this was so gorgeous. I don't read FFXII fic nearly as much as should but this story has convinced me to read more.

You've taken one of the lesser explored characters from the game (I've always liked Penelo) and made her delightfully and wholly human. It was very easy to relate to all the problems she was having as a young woman; the loss of her parents (I loved how you wrote Penelo's reflections about her life and mother, by the way. Especially the line about the cactuars!) her feelings of inferiority to Ashe.

And you wrote it marvelously in first person, and made it feel very very Penelo-ish. Fantastic! :) I also liked how you were able to icorporate so many different genres into this piece (Humor, slight romance, friendship, the hurt/comfort aspect) and not yank it too far into one direction.

This story sucked me in with vibrant descriptions and relatability of it's main character. I felt I was there with them the whole time; it was engrossing and heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It was beautiful to read.

oh my gosh...just...wow! this was amazing! penelo was always my favorite character in the game, and in my opinion, she was a bit underrated. i'm sure it would make sense for her to have a bit of a self-esteem issue, and you did PERFECTLY at displaying her character, as well as every other character in this story (especially fran!) i truly loved this! Fantastic job! XD

It was so touching, and I felt that I could relate to her a lot. I actually felt like I learned something after reading this story. It was done well in every aspect, and while I didn't dislike Penelo before reading this story (I actually favored her greatly), it moved me to love her even more. I felt that I got a great view on a part of her.

Wonderful job, I haven't read anything this well written in quite a while.

I liked how this story was in Penelo's point of view. She kind of gets overlooked sometimes, you know. I adored how you portrayed all the things going through her mind and Fran and Basch were pretty amusing too.

This was possibly one of the most amazing and heart-warming things I have ever read. You've an incredible vocabulary that adds so many layers to your words and you portray Penelo in such a rounded, convincing way that I have no choice but to adore her.

Not that I didn't do that before, but still. :D

I tend to ignore the longer ones, since I often have limited time on the computer and all that good stuff, but I couldn't pass this one up.

I love your comedic flare and how you also include every character in the group, adding little bits between them and rounding out each of them. Maybe with the exception of Balthier, but he's better sometimes as comedic relief. Yes.

Penelo's insecurities also sum up what seem like all the feelings any girl, no matter what age, sometime experience. I especially adore how much you made her think of her mother. Even I don't often think of familial relations, (though I really ought to do so more since I think they are some of the most brilliant things to be portrayed) and you fleshed out and created what I believe the epitomy of mothers.

I can tell you that I see my mother as that, as do we all, though maybe mine has a little bit more of a feminist side. Hee.

Now, just so you're warned, I'm going to be a bit of a jerk and point out that you had a few spelling mistakes here and there, but it's really not noticeable. Sorry, but I just wanted to mention it 'cause I'm cruel like that.

Oh, and don't even get me started on grammar. Really, 'cause I barely know anything about it.

Anyways, bad joking aside, this really was one of the more inspirational and reflective pieces that I've read. The feelings come through clearly and it truly makes me want to go and have a huggle-fest with my mom. :D

Also, you've made me see another side of Ashe. I've always had an incredibly difficult time liking her, but this portrayed her softer side.

And here Balthier would go: "Like her thighs?"

Hee.

Again, sorry about my lame humor, but I really did adore this story. Which I've said about four times now, but still.

Now, since I'm so bad about being able to end reviews well, excuse me while I randomly go off and rant about how Penelo's body type (small breasts and large hips) is more fun to draw than Ashe's perfectly hourglass shape.

This is where an awkward moment ensues.

Anyways, ignore my oddity, know that I am straight, and please have a good day!

~Bananarawrz

P.S. I hope I made you squeal with this review. :D

P.P.S. No offense is meant with any of my comments, since some were questionable... Eheh.